Young patients with bowel cancer are waiting far too long to be diagnosed. That's the finding of new Otago University-based research published in the Medical Journal today. And it says there are big implications for cancer screening with is being rolled out nationwide.

Petty Officer Ihaka Matairangi, Warrant Officer PJ Harimate, Major Kiely Pepper and Chief Petty Officer Bart Couprie have all faced the challenge of cancer and the power of sport helped their recovery.

For Chris Jackson, who wears many health hats, including that of medical director of the Cancer Society, an upbringing that showed him the value of service was what led him to a life focused on the victims of the disease.